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Shakespeare Express 2009

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by saltydog, Jul 2, 2009.

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  1. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    The Shakespeares start again this Sunday July 5.
    I think this year is going to be a bit different to previous years, with different engines making an appearance.
    Okay they will be GWR engines but it wont be the same one week in week out, which is a moan I heard in previous years when 4965 used to do the whole season single handed.
    Also the ticket price has been pegged again at £17.50 for advance standard class bookings or £20.00 if you pay on the day.
    This has to be the best value for money mainline steam ride in the country and works out at about 35p per mile.
     
    saltydog, Jul 2, 2009
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  2. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    I certainly intend a trip or two this year

    any indications on which engines on which dates . Am i safe in presuming 5043 will start the season ?
     
    Sidmouth, Jul 2, 2009
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  3. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Be nice to be unsure about what engine is going to turn up on a given Sunday, probably have a ride later in the year as i've yet to experience Edgcumbe first hand.
     
    david1984, Jul 2, 2009
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  4. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    presumably the mix is 4936,4953,5029 & 5043

    cracking run with 5029 last year , the noise was tremendous and something i'd like to repeat .

    perhaps a Nat pres midlands meet up is in order
     
    Sidmouth, Jul 2, 2009
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  5. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    I think it's safe to assume that 5043 will kick the season off with 4936 to follow on the next two Sunday's. But please don't take this as gospel as I'm speaking in a totally unofficial capacity.
     
    saltydog, Jul 2, 2009
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  6. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    And were off and running, 5043 looking immaculate this morning heading tender first down to Stratford through Hall Green on time, off for a phot at Lapworth right way round later.
     
    david1984, Jul 5, 2009
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  7. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Passing Lapworth on the lunchtime run: http://david1984.fotopic.net/p59369847.html

    Got well and truly shafted by the light with bright sunshine shortly before and after ](*,), dare not brighten it anymore and wash out the sky.
     
    david1984, Jul 5, 2009
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  8. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Thoroughly enjoyed the run this morning , passing almost literally the bottom of my garden . 5043 was on fine form and the run from Hatton almost effortless with Ray Churchill on the Regulator and Bob Meanley Firing . 5043 looked absolutely magnificent . My thanks to all at Vintage trains for the trip and in the nicest sense this is one mainline trip I can't recommend highly enough
     
    Sidmouth, Jul 5, 2009
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  9. JMR

    JMR New Member

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    Agreed:-this is probably the best value for money "main line quick fix" in the land. So good I do a 230 mile round trip in the car for the privelige !! The standard of restoration on 5043 is really superb. As per the previous post, the machine purred along to Birmingham. A Castle barking away through the countryside, in the sunshine, with chocolate and cream coaches. An easy and truly relaxing day out. Nice one Tyseley.
     
    JMR, Jul 5, 2009
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  10. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    Today was a rather excellent day out. \:D/ \:D/
     
    saltydog, Jul 5, 2009
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  11. ADB968008

    ADB968008 Guest

    I saw 5043 passing through Widney yesterday morning, looking excellant.. will be riding this service again later this summer !
     
    ADB968008, Jul 6, 2009
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  12. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Sidmouth, Jul 9, 2009
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  13. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    On time this morning with Kinlet Hall as booked, appears Bob's on the shovel again for the morning run, wrong side for driver but presume Ray Churchill as usual.
     
    david1984, Jul 12, 2009
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  14. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Took a phot at Bentley Heath on the lunchtime run (will upload tomorrow, haven't had time for editing yet), i have to ask who is Emily after seeing the headboard :-k
     
    david1984, Jul 12, 2009
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  15. 4141

    4141 New Member

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    Emily would be Alistair Meanley's daughter.
     
    4141, Jul 13, 2009
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  16. g4pfk

    g4pfk Member

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    David1984 what headboard would you like to see on Olton Hall next week? :-k

    It was nice to see Kinlet Hall on SE duty.

    graham
     
    g4pfk, Jul 13, 2009
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  17. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    Yes it was Alistairs daughter who was celebrating her third birthday with some of her friends.
    I wonder if she will be happy with that headboard for her 18th. \:D/
     
    saltydog, Jul 13, 2009
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  18. mattspencer

    mattspencer Well-Known Member

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    Hogwarts Express headboard 8-[
     
    mattspencer, Jul 13, 2009
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  19. saltydog

    saltydog Part of the furniture

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    I doubt it. I think the Hogwarts headboard is probably a trademark or copyright of whichever Hollywood company owns the rights to market it.
    Also it is still The Shakespeare Express that is running on Sunday. But I'm sure all Wizards that wish to travel will be assured of a warm welcome. =D> =D>
    And hopefully they will be able to weave their magic at Stratford to save us the bother of laying out the hoses to water the engine. [-o< [-o< [-o<
     
    saltydog, Jul 13, 2009
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  20. david1984

    david1984 Resident of Nat Pres

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    "Yes! it is THAT loco, but were not allowed to mention the name due to copyright"

    Might need the whole smokebox door for that one.
     
    david1984, Jul 13, 2009
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